Page 53 of Cyber Revenge

LYDIA

It starts with the feeling.

The one that crawls along the back of my neck when I’m alone. The sensation of beingwatched.

At first, I told myself it was nothing. I was paranoid. Just jumpy after everything that happened.

But the feeling doesn’t go away. It clings to me like static, thick and oppressive, making my skin itch with unease.

Trip watches me. But this isn’t him. Trip’s presence never feels like this.

This iscolder.

Darker.

I tell myself I’m imagining it. Until the texts start.Why do I always discredit myself?

They aren’t threatening at first.

Just… there.

Miss you.

Wish we could talk.

You’re making a mistake, baby.

Patrick.

I block the number. He uses another one.

I block that one too.

Then the texts turn sinister.

You look lonely.

Bet you wish I were still around to keep you warm at night.

Nice panties this morning, princess. Blue looks good on you.

I stopped wearing blue after that. Stopped streaming,AGAIN.

Stopped going outside,AGAIN.

But it doesn’t stophim.

Trip notices before I tell him.

“You haven’t streamed in a week, little killer,” he murmurs one night, sitting beside me on the couch.

My Xbox menu is still on the home screen, music looping softly, but I haven’t touched the controller in hours.

I hug my knees to my chest, blanket wrapped tight around my body like a shield.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine, killstreak.”